Comic-Con 2016: 12 Panels You Should Line-up for This Year
by Jesse Schedeen
Comic-Con 2016 is right around the corner. If the thought of navigating a convention center crammed with thousands of geeks gives you the willies, fear not. We're breaking down the 12 movie and TV panels you need to attend this year, including when and where you need to line-up.
'Marvel’s Luke Cage'
When and Where: Thursday, July 21 (5:45pm, Ballroom 20) Mike Colter's Luke Cage headlines the next Marvel series hitting Netflix this fall. Expect plenty of footage from the upcoming series, as well as some teases for what's to come as Netflix builds towards shows like "Iron Fist" and The Defenders."
AMC’s 'Fear the Walking Dead' & 'The Walking Dead'
When and Where: Friday, July 22 (12pm, Hall H) "The Walking Dead" fans are getting a double dose of zombie goodness this year, as AMC is holding back-to-back panels spotlighting both series. These panels will feature many of the core cast members and tease what's to come as both shows return later in the year. Sadly, don't expect any answers as to who died at the end of "TWD" Season 6.
'Game of Thrones'
When and Where: Friday, July 22 (2:15pm, Hall H) "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's" Rob McElhenney will moderate this panel, which will include a healthy sampling of the show's many, many actors. Expect plenty of discussion about Season 6's big developments, along with a few hints of what's to come in the final seasons.
'People of Earth' & 'Powerless'
When and Where: Friday, July 22 (2:30pm, Room 6BCF) This two-pronged panel will shine a spotlight on two of the more promising additions to NBC's fall lineup. While we're eager to learn more about the sci-fi comedy series "People of Earth," the main draw with this panel is that NBC will screen the pilot episode of "Powerless," the new "The Office"-style comedy set in the DC Universe.
'Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'
When and Where: Friday, July 22 (3pm, Ballroom 20) Marvel certainly piqued our interest for the upcoming fourth season of this show, with ads hinting the possible debut of Ghost Rider. Hopefully that announcement will come during this panel, along with news that Adrianne Palicki and Nick Blood are returning to the show, now that their "Marvel's Most Wanted" spinoff has been shelved.
'Samurai Jack'
When and Where: Friday, July 22 (3:15pm, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront) You'll have to venture outside the San Diego Convention Center for this one, but for fans of the beloved Cartoon Network series, the trip should be worth it. Creator Genndy Tartakovsky will be on hand to discuss bringing back Jack, and how the show will change in the shift to Adult Swim.
'The Killing Joke'
When and Where: Friday, July 22 (9pm, Ballroom 20) Assuming you're not too exhausted, you'll definitely want to stick around the convention center for this late-night panel. DC will be premiering the hotly anticipated "Batman: The Killing Joke," which adapts the seminal graphic novel.
Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Entertainment
When and Where: Saturday, July 23 (11:30am, Hall H) For DC fans, this one's a big deal. While WB will cover a wide assortment of upcoming films here, (including "Fantastic Beasts" and "Kong: Skull Island"), we're really looking forward to seeing new footage from "Wonder Woman" and maybe even an early taste of "Justice League."
'Star Trek'
When and Where: Saturday, July 23 (2pm, Hall H) While "Star Trek Beyond" will have its world premiere at the Con, this panel will focus on the upcoming TV series. Executive producer and showrunner Bryan Fuller will moderate a panel of Star trek icons (including William Shatner) as they discuss the franchise's 50th anniversary and what's to come as "Star Trek" finally returns to TV next year.
'Aliens': 30th Anniversary
When and Where: Saturday, July 23 (3:15pm, Hall H) If nothing else, this panel is worth attending solely for the fact that the whole gang will be in the same room, including director James Cameron and stars Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Lance Henriksen. Look for them to wax nostalgic about the classic sequel.
The CW's DC Shows
When and Where: Saturday, July 23 (3:30pm, Ballroom 20) The CW will hold a four-hour block of panels spotlighting all of their DC Comics' TV series, starting with "Supergirl" and ending with "Arrow." Various cast and crew members will be on hand to tease what's to come for these heroes in the fall.
Marvel Studios
When and Where: Saturday, July 23 (5:30pm, Hall H) Despite early rumors that Marvel Studios would be sitting out this year's Comic-Con, Kevin Feige and various other big players will be present to offer a glimpse of what's to come in the MCU. Definitely expect footage from "Doctor Strange" and "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2," but there might be a few other surprises in store.
